Undergraduate History Courses

 

Courses 100-199

HIE101 The Historical Origins of the Contemporary World

This course is an introduction to the historical origins of the contemporary world, as it exists in the first half of the 21st century. It seeks first to present the main characteristics of today's world and then trace their development over the previous five or so centuries. The course proposes to explain the historical genesis of the following phenomena: the emergence of large geopolitical regions, demography and human settlement, the State as a form of political organization, capitalism as the dominant economic order, religious phenomena, the current political ideologies, the development of science and technology, the environmental state of the planet, and finally the emergence of major international organizations. The objective is twofold: to present how humanity has been affected by the development of these phenomena and to explain the constant weight of the past in their evolution. Ultimately, the course seeks to help students understand the world in which we live as a product of history and to reflect on the importance of history as a discipline that facilitates the understanding of the present.

Exclusion(s):
HIE102
Note(s):
Mandatory for all students enrolled in Arts (to be taken in conjunction with HIE103).
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1
 

HIE103 History of Canada

This course introduces students to the political, social, economic, and cultural history of Canada from the period of first contact between Indigenous peoples and European explorers to the present day through an examination of key turning points in its development. The course emphasizes four particular including: the diversity of the Canadian experience and identity, Canada’s place in the North Atlantic World, the development of the Canadian economy, and the growth and development of the Canadian state. By the end of the course, students should have a solid knowledge of Canada’s historical development; have become familiar with the basic elements of historical research and practice, such as the examination of primary documents and historiography; and be able to produce a university level research paper.

Exclusion(s):
HIE102, HIE104, HIE207
Note(s):
Mandatory for all students enrolled in Arts.
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE104 Survey of Post-Confederation Canada

This course introduces students to the political, economic and social history of Canada from 1867 to the present. Particular emphasis is placed on the following themes: Canada in the North Atlantic World, the development of the Canadian state, the development of the Canadian economy and its impact on society, and the diversity of the Canadian experience and identity.

Exclusion(s):
HIE102, HIE103, HIE207
Note(s):
Only offered through Distance Education.
Contact Hours:
0 - 0 - 9
Credit(s):
1

Courses 200-299

HIE203 Introduction to Canadian Military History

A survey of the military history of Canada from the rise of New France to the present. Emphasis will be given to the evolution of the Armed Forces.

Exclusion(s):
HIE202, HIE205, HIE208
Note(s):
Mandatory for students enrolled in Arts, Science, and Engineering.
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE205 Canadian Military History: Origins to 1870

This course, which covers the pre-Columbian period to the beginning years of Confederation, introduces students to the most significant military organizations and events of the period, within their social and political context.

Exclusion(s):
HIE202, HIE203
Note(s):
Only offered through Distance Education.
Contact Hours:
0 - 0 - 9
Credit(s):
1

HIE206 What is History? Methods of Historical Inquiry

This course introduces students to the fundamental methodological, theoretical, and historiographical approaches to historical inquiry. The course focuses on the variety of evidence that historian's use, as well as the methods and techniques of analysis they employ to better understand the past. Topics include types and schools of historical inquiry; evidence and interpretation; quantitative and qualitative analysis; ethical and professional responsibility; and developing a research plan. Upon completion of the course, students should be able to understand: various types of primary source evidence, the major schools of historical interpretation, the concept of historiography, key methodological approaches to historical analysis, and the ability to apply this knowledge to their own historical research projects.

Prerequisite(s):
At least one of the following: HIE101, HIE103, HIE203 or HIE207
Note(s):
Mandatory for students enrolled in History or in Military and Strategic Studies.
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE207 History of Canada

This course introduces students to the social, economic, political, and cultural history of Canada from the mid-19th century to the present day. The course emphasizes four major themes: the diversity of the Canadian experience and identity; Canada’s place in the North Atlantic World; the development of the Canadian economy; and the growth and development of the Canadian state. By the end of the course, students will have a better knowledge of Canadian history and a general understanding of historiography, and will be able to produce a university level research paper.

Exclusion(s):
HIE102, HIE103, HIE104
Note(s):
Mandatory for all students enrolled in Science and Engineering.
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE208 Canadian Military History: A Study in War and Military History, 1867 to the Present

This course introduces students to the general themes of Canadian military history in the post-Confederation period. Particular emphasis is placed on the following topics: the evolution of the Canadian military since 1867; traditions and customs of the Canadian Forces; the evolution of the role of the Canadian officer and approaches to leadership since 1867; the relationship between Canadian politics and society and the evolution of the Canadian military; the impact of changes in military arts and sciences and doctrine on operations and war fighting; and Canadian participation in joint and combined operations.

Exclusion(s):
HIE202, HIE203
Note(s):
Only offered through Distance Education.
Contact Hours:
0 - 0 - 9
Credit(s):
1

HIE270 An Introduction to Military History

This course is an introductory survey of military history from Antiquity to the present. It traces the development of strategic thought and the impact of new technologies. Key topics include: Ancient warfare, naval warfare, war in the Middle Ages, the gunpowder revolution, the levee en masse, the industrial revolution, the total wars of the twentieth century, air power, nuclear weapons, small wars, and limited wars. The relationship between war and society will also be examined. The course will impart to students a thorough understanding of how warfare developed in the Western World, as well as an ability to analyze war at the tactical, operational, strategic, and grand strategic levels.

Exclusion(s):
HIE271, HIE371
Note(s):
Mandatory for students enrolled in History, and Military and Strategic Studies.
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
2

HIE271 Introduction to Military History and Thought

This course is an introductory survey of military history from Antiquity to the present. It traces the development of strategic thought and the impact of new technologies. Key topics include: Ancient warfare, naval warfare, war in the Middle Ages, the gunpowder revolution, the levee en masse, the industrial revolution, the total wars of the twentieth century, air power, nuclear weapons, small wars, and limited wars. The relationship between war and society will also be examined. The course will impart to students a thorough understanding of how warfare developed in the Western World, as well as an ability to analyze war at the tactical, operational, strategic, and grand strategic levels.

Exclusion(s):
HIE270, HIE371
Note(s):
Mandatory for students enrolled in Science, Engineering and all Arts programs with the exception of History and Military and Strategic Studies.
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE275 Survey of Technology, Society and Warfare

This course is a survey of the relationship between technology, society and warfare. Topics covered include the impact of the industrial revolution on warfare; technological developments and military doctrine during the two world wars and Cold War; the Revolution in Military Affairs; and emerging and evolving military technologies and doctrines. In studying these historical examples, students will reflect on the major political, economic and social factors that inform the development of the technology and the role of technology in warfare.

Exclusion(s):
HIE474, HIE475
Note(s):
Only offered through Distance Education.
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE284 A History of Europe since the 15th Century

This course focuses on the history of European civilization from the late Middle Ages to the middle of the 20th century. It seeks to identify and analyze the foundations of European civilization and especially those that still shape European life today. The main political, geographic, social, economic, and religious characteristics, which have marked Europe’s past will be identified and examined (for example, Christianity, individualism, capitalism and industrialization). Thus, this course will place the comparatively original and unique characteristics of Europe into historical perspective.

Note(s):
Mandatory for students in History.
Students in History are strongly encouraged to take this course in their second year.
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
2

HIE289 The Impact of Science and Technology on Society and the Environment

A lecture course on the impact of modern science and technology on society and the environment from the 16th century to the present. The focus is primarily on technological and social change and will consider technical or scientific knowledge in their wider economic, political and social context.

Note(s):
Available only to students in Engineering.
Exclusion(s):
POE372 and POE374
Semester:
Usually offered in the Fall
Contact Hours:
2 - 0 - 4
Credit(s):
0.5

Courses 300-399

HIE301 Indigenous-Settler Relations in Canada

This course explores relations between Indigenous Peoples and European settler societies from first contact to the present day. Particular attention will be devoted to the impact of changing imperial regimes in North America, culminating with the creation of the Canadian state, on Indigenous-Settler relations. Key issues addressed include conflict and cooperation in warfare and the fur trade, land, treaties, the Canadian state’s assimilation polices, Indigenous political and legal resistance, and the Canadian Constitution. By the end of the course, students will be able to describe and analyse change and continuity in Indigenous-Settler relations over time as well as some of the impacts of colonialism.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE103 or HIE104
For Science and Engineering students: HIE207
Note(s):
Also offered through Distance Education.
Contact Hours:
3- 0 - 6 (Distance Learning: 0 - 0 - 9)
Credit(s):
1

HIE302 Cities at War

This course will provide a global view of the impact of war on great metropolises throughout history. Beginning with Antiquity and ending in the present day, it will feature weekly case studies that will chart the evolution of cities over the course of seven thousand years while analyzing the ways in which war has interacted with parallel historical phenomena such as the agricultural revolution, migration, natural and manmade disasters, colonialism, industrialization, modernization, and globalization. By the end of this course, students will have gained a better understanding of how cities at war, and the experiences of those who have lived there, have shaped our world today.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE103 and HIE104 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Contact Hours:
3- 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE305 Africa in World History

This course places Africa in a global context, addressing the main developments in the continent’s major zones (North, South, East and West) from the precolonial period through the twenty-first century. The main goal is to provide students with a historical framework for interpreting the current state of African societies and their relations with the world. The similarities and differences of these regions and societies will be discussed through major themes, including early kingdoms and states; slavery and the slave trades; the abolition of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and its impact on African societies; European conquest and colonization; social and economic change during the colonial period; the impact of the world wars and the Cold War; the rise of nationalism; the challenges of independent Africa; globalization in contemporary Africa; and Africa in world affairs. The course considers issues of change and continuity in African societies and how these events affected ordinary Africans, male and female alike, as well as their religions and socio-economic systems. By the end of the course, students should be able to demonstrate how the history of Africa relates to other world societies and recognize Africans as significant historical actors in the making of the modern world.

Note(s):
Offered in alternate years
Contact Hours:
3- 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE306 War Through Film

Few forms of media captivate the public imagination as effectively as film. From war dramas to comedy-satire and from documentaries to biopics, the abundance of movies that have been made about war during the twentieth and twenty-first centuries has helped shape our understanding of one of humanity’s most complex phenomena. This course will explore the very human cost of war through the powerful medium of film. It will study the impact it has had on both combatants and combatants. From war fronts to home fronts, in places both real and imagined, it will permit us to study a range of worldviews and perspectives. By the end of this course, students will be able to think about the ways in which various genres of film have been used to portray the past all the while shaping public memory and popular culture.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE103 and HIE104 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Note(s):
Offered in alternate years
Contact Hours:
3- 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE310 Political History of Italy, from Unification to the Republic, 1861-1946

First, this course emphasizes and analyses the main political developments of the period covered, for instance the making of the unitary state, the colonial policy, the involvement in the First World War, and Mussolini's rise to power. Second, it underlines the influence and contribution of economic, geographical and social factors in this political evolution. Finally, when relevant and useful, resemblances and differences between Italy's political history and other European states will be established. As a result, the complexity of the Italian political life, its successes and failures, its continuities and ruptures, but also and maybe more important, its paradoxes should appear clearly.

Note(s):
Offered in alternate years.
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE312 History of the United States 1750-1877: From Revolution to Reconstruction

This course explores the political, social, economic, and cultural development of the United States from its birth in the Revolution through to the end of the Civil War and Reconstruction. The course focuses largely on the impact of the three “revolutions” – the American Revolution, the Market Revolution, and the American Civil War - that the American people experienced over this turbulent century and which continue to define American political, social, and cultural values to this day. This course is a mixture of lectures and seminars in which students are encouraged to examine and debate the issues, which defined this period. By the end of the course, students should acquire a solid understanding of the major themes and historiographical approaches to American history, be able to work with primary source material, and be able to combine those elements into their own historical research and writing.

Note(s):
Offered in alternate years.
Semester:
Usually offered in the Fall
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE314 History of the United States 1870 to the Present: Reconstruction to the Age of Reagan

This course explores the political, social, economic, and cultural development of the United States from the end of the Civil War to the early 21st century. The course largely focuses on the rise of the United States as a global hegemon and its impact on American society at home and abroad. Key issues examined include the Industrial Revolution, the New Deal, the Cold War, the Rights Revolution of the 1960s, and the Culture Wars of the late 20th century. This course is a mixture of lectures and seminars in which students are encouraged to examine and debate the issues, which defined this period. By the end of the course, students should acquire a solid understanding of the major themes and historiographical approaches to American history, be able to work with primary source material, and be able to combine those elements into their own historical research and writing.

Note(s):
Offered in alternate years.
Semester:
Usually offered in the Winter
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE320 A Social and Cultural History of the Atomic Age

The technological possibility of eradicating life on earth was possibly the most dramatic development in human history. This lecture course will examine the scientific origins and the social and cultural effects of the introduction of nuclear energy and nuclear weapons onto the world stage from the 1930s through the 1960s.

Note(s):
Offered in English Only
Contact Hours:
3- 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE322 Conflict in the Middle East, 1914-Present

This one-term lecture course will cover the history of state and interethnic conflict in the Middle East from the First World War to the war against ISIS. In addition to the contentious Arab-Israeli interactions, conflicts in Yemen and Oman, Lebanon, and the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s will be highlighted, as well as the emergence and operations of non-state organizations like the Irgun, the Muslim Brotherhood, the PLO, and al-Qaeda. Students will develop an understanding of the origins of and motives for disputes in this region as well as the methodologies employed by the belligerents in pursuit of their aims.

Note(s):
Offered in alternate years.
Contact Hours:
3- 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE324 Selected Issues in History

This directed reading course is open to 3rd and 4th year Arts students (normally students in History) who wish to pursue a particular area of historical interest that is not available through regular departmental offerings. This option will only be available in exceptional circumstances and requires the recommendation of a supervisor and the permission of the chair of the department.

Contact Hours:
3- 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE328 Selected Issues in Military History

This directed reading course is open to 3rd and 4th year Arts students (normally students in History) who wish to pursue a particular area of military historical interest that is not available through regular departmental offerings. This option will only be available in exceptional circumstances and requires the recommendation of a supervisor and the permission of the chair of the department.

Contact Hours:
3- 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE332 War in Classical Age

This course aims to provide students with an introduction to war and diplomacy, as they evolved in the era of Ancient Greece and both Republican and Imperial Rome. Beginning with the foundation of powerful city-states in Greece, it studies the first elements of Greek diplomacy and warfare. It then looks at the evolution of the military systems of the Greeks, as well as the diplomacy behind it, in the rivalry between the principal city-states, the rise of Philip and Alexander of Macedon, and the wars of the Alexandrian succession. It would then move to a study of the diplomacy and war making of Republican Rome, its army and navy and its expansion into Italy, and wider conquests, especially in the Punic Wars, and the diplomacy, military control, and other factors behind the 'Pax Romana.' The evolution of the Roman Army over these key centuries will receive particular attention.

Note(s):
Offered in alternate years.
Semester:
Usually offered in Fall & Winter
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE334 Historical Evolution of Operational Art

The Historical Evolution of Operational Art will examine the practice of operational art in history — the pursuit of strategic objectives through the arrangement of tactical actions. It will look at how these concepts evolved since the eighteenth century by studying prominent military campaigns, which evidenced operational art. By the end of the course students will have gained an appreciation of the ability of military forces to achieve strategic goals, the role of joint and combined operations, the impact of conflict termination in shaping military plans, the theory, planning and execution of historical campaigns and operational art, and the ability to analyze operational approaches.

Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE336 The American Civil War

No other event has marked the history of the United States so palpably. Even today, commentators and historians refer to Lincoln as one of the most important presidents the United States has ever elected, in particular due to the crucial role he played in this war and to his Emancipation Proclamation, which put an end to slavery. But there was more to this war. Among other things, it marked the end of pro-slavery rule in the South, the standardization of economic practices across the entire American territory for the first time, and the start of the second great wave of industrialization that would make the United States the greatest industrial power by the end of the First World War. We shall therefore cover the political, economic, social and military impact of this war.

Note(s):
Offered in alternate years.
Semester:
Usually offered in the Fall
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE338 North American Colonial Warfare, 1608 to 1815

This course will examine the colonial conflicts that, between the establishment of the first permanent European colonies in the early seventeenth century and 1815, defined the modern political boundaries of North America. Topics will include native and European fighting methods, the employment of regular, irregular, and locally raised forces, the development of British and French strategic cultures and expeditionary capabilities, the early development of American military and naval forces, the logistical challenges of campaigning in North America, naval warfare on the inland seas of North America, and civil-military relations. This course will emphasize the political, diplomatic, operational and logistical challenges of trans-Atlantic campaigning, and the integration of irregular indigenous warriors and colonial populations into campaign plans.

Note(s):
Also offered through Distance Education.
Course is currently offered in "English Only."
Offered in alternate years.
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE340 History of the First World War

A study of the nature of total war at the beginning of the 20th century, including the origins of war, the process of strategic planning, the problems of coalition warfare, great battles on land, on the sea and in the air, propaganda, public opinion and espionage, technological changes and the social, political and economic consequences of war.

Note(s):
Also offered through Distance Education.
Offered in alternate years.
Semester:
Usually offered in the Fall
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE342 History of the Second World War

A study of the nature of World War II, including the origins of war, the process of strategic planning, the problems of coalition warfare, great battles on land, on the sea and in the air, propaganda, public opinion and espionage, technological changes and the social, political and economic consequences of war.

Note(s):
Offered in alternate years.
Also offered through Distance Education.
Prerequisite(s):
A junior history course.
Semester:
Usually offered in the Winter
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6 (Distance Learning: 0 - 0 - 9)
Credit(s):
1

HIE343 Occupied Europe, 1938-1945

The Second World War has often been memorialized in its iconic battles such as Stalingrad or the D-Day. However, the reality for most Europeans in the six years of conflict was Axis occupying armies on their territories. To be sure, owing to the German successes during the first three years of the war, entire swathes of continental Europe extending from France to Poland, and from Scandinavia to the Balkans were brought under the yoke of Axis forces. Civilians had to endure the consequences of years of military occupation, a forceful cohabitation with foreign soldiers. This course will examine the nature and impact of the Nazi and Fascist occupations on Western and Eastern Europe preceding and during World War II and the responses of the people occupied. It will focus particularly on the concept of resistance and collaboration, and the relationship between occupiers and occupied at various levels: state collaboration, but also the day-to-day relationships and their social consequences (black market, prostitution, accommodation, etc.)

Note(s):
Offered in alternate years
Contact Hours:
3- 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE345 Operational History Battlefield Tour

This course offers a unique and immersive opportunity for third and fourth -year students to actively engage in a compelling historical journey. Unlike traditional credit courses, this non-credit option centers around participating in a battlefield tour led by experienced historians. Throughout this hands-on experience, students will gain a profound understanding of significant historical events, the human experience in times of conflict, and the impact of war on societies. By actively exploring these historic sites, participants will be enriched with real-world insights, fostering a deeper connection to history and military heritage.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101, HIE103, HIE203 (HIE270 or HIE271)
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Note(s):
Enrolment is limited. Students needs a recommendation of a history professor and are selected by the Battlefield Tour Selection Committee. Students must also be in good standing within the four-pillar program.
Semester:
Usually offered in the Winter, each year.
Contact Hours:
3- 0 - 6
Credit(s):
0

HIE346 Canadian Forces Operations in the Modern Era

The Canadian Forces as an institution has participated in the widest variety of military operations types and deployed in more geographically diverse areas than any of its predecessor organizations in Canadian history. This course will trace the origins of the Canadian Forces in the 1960s and will examine how the CAF conducted overseas operations, including policies and strategies for waging the Cold War, UN peacekeeping, the intervention era of the 1990s, and the war in Afghanistan.

Semester:
Usually offered in the Fall & Winter
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE347 Learning Lessons of War Through Battlefield Tours

This course is an engaging and intellectually stimulating third-year offering, designed to immerse students in the art of crafting historically accurate, emotionally impactful, and professionally engaging battlefield tours. In this course, students will explore the multifaceted aspects of battlefield tours, including historical research, tour design, storytelling, and ethical considerations. By delving into the intersection of history, professional relevancy, and memorialization, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in curating battlefield tours that pay homage to the past while promoting educational and professional experiences for present and future generations.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101, HIE103, HIE203 (HIE270 or HIE271)
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Enrollment in this course also requires successful completion of HIE345: Operational History Battlefield Tour. The latter can be waived by the Course Instructor in consultation with the Head History.
Note(s):
Offered each year
Semester:
Usually offered in the Winter
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE348 Fascism, Nazism and Communism, 1917-1945

This course explores the birth and the development of the Fascist, Nazi, and Communist ideologies in Europe and their transformation into political regimes. The first part examines the ideological and historical origins of their rise, while the second part analyzes the conditions and characteristics of their development in peacetime. Finally, we will see how these regimes survived or perished during the Second World War. Based on a comparative perspective, this course will help to reveal the exceptional nature of this period in European history.

Note(s):
Offered in alternate years.
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE350 Genocides and Mass Crimes in the 20th Century

This course proposes to focus on the genocides and mass crimes of the 20th century. Paying particular attention to definitions and typologies of what constitutes genocide, it examines its manifestations in the last century, from the Armenian case to that of Darfur. This course provides both formal presentations and discussion periods on themes that fall within the subject studied. After completing this course, students will have a better knowledge of genocides and mass crimes perpetrated in the 20th century. They will also understand the cultural, legal, sociological, strategic and ethical components of genocides while familiarizing themselves with the relevant historiography on the subjects.

Note(s):
Offered in alternate years.
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE352 History of Germany from Bismarck to Hitler

This course explores German history from the wars of German unification to the fall of the Third Reich. It examines many topics, such as the foundation of the German Reich; the evolution of its domestic and foreign policies under the “Iron Chancellor”, in particular the issues of the Bismarck’s system of alliances; social-imperialism, pan-germanism, and the “Weltpolitik” under Kaiser Wilhelm II; the First World War, including Germany’s war aims, its military strategies, its war economy, and the “silent dictatorship” of Hindenburg and Ludendorff; the November Revolution and the fall of the monarchy; the foundation of the Weimar Republic; the “Diktat” and the “stab-in-the-back myth”; the Communist revolutions; and the Right-wing nationalist and militarist putsches; the rise of National Socialism and its seized power in 1933; the establishment of the Nazi dictatorship; the foreign relations of the Nazi regime and Hitler’s foreign policy aims; the Second World War, including the German Blitzkrieg, annexation and occupation policies, domestic mobilization, the German resistance, and the war crimes of the Wehrmacht and the Holocaust. At the end of the course, students will be able to describe, explain, and assess factors of continuity and change in German history.

Note(s):
Offered in alternate years
Contact Hours:
3- 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIF354Histoire du monde arabe et musulman

This course provides an overview of the history of the Arab and Muslim World since Antiquity. We will study the history of its geography, language and culture and the rise of Islam. We will see its components and their impact on the formation of the near, Middle and Far East. Finally, we will address the history of great crises of the 20th century and their historical roots. Students will develop, at the end of the course, an understanding of the major historical components of the Arab-Muslim world.

Note(s):
Course currently offered in French Only
Offered in alternate years.
Semester:
Winter
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE360 The Rise of Peacekeeping

This course is a historical survey of the roots of peacekeeping from antiquity until the modern era. It will explore topics like the Pax Romana, the Peace of God in the Middle Ages, the maintenance of peace and international law in the early modern period, and end with post-Cold War peacekeeping and related operations. Students will be able, at the end of the course, to analyze and explain the international and military context of establishing peace from pre-history until the beginning of the 21st Century.

Prerequisite(s):
HIE203
Note(s):
HIE360 and HIE362 are equal to the combination of both POE410 and POE324 and should not be combined.
Semester:
Fall
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE362 History of Peacekeeping since 1980

This course is a historical survey of peacekeeping operations since the 1980s. The course explores the environment and expression of these peacekeeping operations during the post-Cold War years and the evolution of various forms of peace operations. Students will be able, at the end of the course, to analyze and explain the evolution of peacekeeping since the end of the Cold War, as well as outline the political and military challenges posed by these types of activities.

Prerequisite(s):
HIE203
Note(s):
HIE360 and HIE362 are equal to the combination of both POE410 and POE324 and should not be combined.
Semester:
Winter
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIF364 Napoléon et son temps

A study of the man, his ambitions, his political system, and of his way of war. We will discuss his great battles and campaigns, those with which his genius marked history: Marengo, Austerlitz, Jena, Wagram, Borodino, and the Germany and France campaigns, among others. We will also discuss the complex world surrounding the eventual Emperor of the French, from his family to his diplomacy, and the political life within France itself. The student should be able to better weigh the impact of Napoleon on the history of France and the world. The course will also allow students to think critically about the limit of one’s actions and of determinism in history.

Note(s):
Course currently offered in French Only
Offered in alternate years.
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE366 Europe, Napoleon, and the World War of 1789 to 1815

This course is an introduction to the wars that dominated Europe and extended around the globe from the opening of the French Revolution in 1789 until the conclusion of the Congress of Vienna and Napoleon’s final abdication in 1815. The course will examine the transformation of warfare that witnessed the rise of the nation in arms (the near total mobilization of manpower and resources) and introduced new operational concepts that changed the conduct of war. It will consider these themes through an overview of the major land and naval campaigns in Europe, the Levant, and in the East and West Indies, and through the major developments in operational art, force structures, command and control, and logistics, along with the use of coalitions and of economic warfare in defeating an opponent in a modern conflict. This course will provide students with a fundamental understanding of the changes this period brought to the conduct of warfare, and the effects this global conflict had on the Atlantic and Indian Ocean worlds.

Note(s):
Course is currently offered in "English Only."
Offered in alternate years.
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE371 Introduction to War and Strategy

This course is an introduction to a discussion of western strategic thinking in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Strategic thinking and theorists in all three elements (land, sea, and air), as well as imperialism, technological change, anti-colonialism and terrorism, nuclear weapons theory and unconventional warfare are discussed. The course analyzes various combinations of industrial power, public opinion, military power, intelligence processes, economic strength, and foreign policy a country uses to create a military "strategy”.

Exclusion(s):
HIE270, HIE271
Note(s):
Only offered through Distance Education.
Prerequisite(s):
A junior history course
Contact Hours:
0 - 0 - 9
Credit(s):
1

HIE373 The Diplomacy of the Great Powers: International History 1815-1914

This course explores the major developments in international history from the Treaty of Vienna in 1815 to the July Crisis of 1914. It will focus particularly on the foreign policies of the European Great Powers but also the Ottoman Empire, the United States, Japan and China. An emphasis will be placed on the advent of the Concert of Europe, the challenges of the Eastern Question, the development of colonial rivalries, the impact of German and Italian unifications, and the origins of the First World War. By the end of the course, students will have acquired a solid understanding of the major diplomatic themes of 19th century international history.

Note(s):
Offered in alternate years
Contact Hours:
3- 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE374 From World War to World War: International History 1914-1945

A lecture course concentrating on the major political, economic and social developments in international history between 1914 and 1945. Emphasis will be placed upon the origins of the First World War, the development of war aims and peace terms, inter-alliance relations, the Paris Peace Settlement, inter-war diplomacy, the "appeasement" debate, and the diplomacy of the Second World War.

Semester:
Usually offered in the Fall
Offered in alternate years.
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE375 Limited War during the Cold War 1945-1991

This course examines the plethora of smaller conflicts that occurred under the umbrella of the larger ideological and military competition between the West and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. These conflicts include French, British, and Portuguese wars of decolonization, the South African-Cuban confrontation in Angola, the Eritrean war, and conflicts in Latin America. Special attention will also be paid to the Soviet Union’s war in Afghanistan, the lesser-known Indo-Pakistani wars, and the Iran-Iraq War. Students will develop an understanding of how the Cold War period involved multiple ‘hot’ wars and how and why these conflicts were fought.

Notes:
Offered in alternate years.
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE377 The Cold War

The Cold War had both lasting military and social impact. The Cold War was the only sustained conflict in history that had the potential to end life on earth with mass nuclear weapons use. It was a conflict that had its own unique methods of fighting, from the intelligence war and covert action to space and even sporting events. This course will examine how the war was fought between the superpowers, and the dramatic influence it had on numerous regional conflicts from 1945 to 1990 as well as on Western society and culture.

Note(s):
Offered in alternate years.
Semester:
Usually offered in the Fall & Winter
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIF383 Histoire de la France, de la guerre franco-prussienne à la présidence de Charles de Gaulle

This course will deal with the history of France from the Franco-Prussian war of 1870 until the end of the presidency of Charles de Gaulle in 1969. The course will analyze the most important political, economic and social characteristics of each Republic, insisting particularly on mutations and turning points. Internal politics and constitutional developments, international relations, economic and social transformations of each republican period will be examined in a way to make apparent the most significant trends or consequences that have affected the collective life of the French people.

Prerequisite(s):
HIE284
Note(s):
Course is currently offered in "French Only"
Offered in alternate years.
Semester:
Usually offered in the Winter
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE390 European Imperialism - The Fifteenth to the Eighteenth Century

This course is an introduction to the early expression of European Imperialism between the fifteenth and eighteenth centuries. The course focuses on the Atlantic World highlighting the Spanish and Portuguese experience and contrasting them with the British, French and Dutch where appropriate. The course attempts to give equal importance to the stories of the men and women living in areas facing the Atlantic Ocean, including Native Americans, Africans and Europeans. The process of early European imperialism will be analyzed through major themes, including European explorations; contact and encounter; bondage and freedom; trade and economy; religious systems; cultural transfers; revolutions; gender and abolition. Students should consider how European explorations affected Atlantic societies and how indigenous populations in Africa and in the Americas contributed to shape the history of the Old Continent.

Note(s):
Offered in alternate years.
Semester:
Usually offered in the Fall
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE392 European Imperialism - Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries

This course explores the phenomenon of modern European imperialism during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. We will analyze the rise of the major European empires in Africa and Asia, assess their impact, and trace the development of resistance and decolonization movements from World War One through the 1960s, as well as the legacies of colonialism. Topics include the theories of imperial expansion; the rise of scientific racism; the impact of European trade and “modernization” on colonial societies; the importance of colonies to European politics, economics and societies; the migration of peoples, ideas, commodities and diseases; the impact of the world wars; the development of nationalism; the struggle for decolonization; and the new scramble for oil, gas and minerals. Within these broad topics, we will address the role of technology and material culture, as well as explore the importance of class, race, gender and nationality. At the end of the course, students should be able to recognize the social, political, and economic factors driving European colonialism in the late nineteenth century.

Prerequisite(s):
HIE390
Note(s):
Offered in alternate years
Semester:
Usually offered in the Winter
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE394 A History of China: Origins and Identities

This course serves as an introduction to the long history of the region comprised by the current People’s Republic of China. Modern China’s long history of internal settlement and expansion, conflict and consolidation, order and idealism from the beginning of its recorded history through the great upheavals of 19th and 20th centuries continues to inform the rhetoric and behaviour of the PRC. This course explores these rich histories and their enduring role in shaping political and international discourse within modern China. The course will allow students to grasp the broad outlines of China’s history with an emphasis on the enduring and distinct philosophical and political themes that inform its present.

Note(s):
Course is currently offered in "English Only"
Offered in alternate years
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE396 A History of Air Power, 1914-1991

This course is an introduction to the history of air power in the 20th Century, from the Great War to the First Gulf War. It first explores the role and importance it played during the two world wars and in the violent conflicts of the Cold War between the West and the East, but also in the conventional and unconventional wars of the 1919-1939 era, as well as those after 1945. It then examines the development of aircrafts and the ways in which they have transformed military institutions and organizations since 1914, as well as the ties they have maintained with the armies and navies, in times of peace as in times of war. Finally, it highlights the place taken by those, military or politicians, who promoted it as an element of military power and the impact it had on the conduct of war and strategy. Finally, the course puts into perspective the close relationship between air forces and the economic, technical and scientific development of states wishing to acquire them.

Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE398 Naval Power and Strategy in the 20th Century

This course provides students with an overview of naval warfare, theory and history, as evidenced by the exercise of western naval/sea power during the conflicts of the twentieth century. The main topics examined will be the impact of influential naval theorists, the importance of the control of the seas and its relationship to grand and national strategies, the evolution of western naval doctrines, and the impact of technological change on the development of naval warfare from the industrial to the information age. By the end of the course students will have a broad understanding of the significant naval transformations that occurred as western navies (including the Royal Canadian Navy) moved from maritime forces shaped by the technology, capabilities and ideas of the late nineteenth century, through decades of modification, eventually resulting in fleets capable of meeting the imperatives of the late twentieth century.

Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

Courses 400-499

HIF401 Histoire Québec de 1945 à nos jours

This course will examine the socioeconomic and political situation in Quebec at the end of the Second World War; Duplessis's return to power and the resulting political dynamic; Quebec's journey into modernity; the Quiet Revolution, its roots and impact; Quebec social movements, their creation and demands; the nationalist movement (RN, RIN, MSA); the Liberals in power and the language issue; the October Crisis; the Parti Québécois taking office; the 1980 referendum, its failure and impact; the repatriation of the Constitution; federal-provincial tensions; the Conservatives and the collapse of the Meech Lake Accord; the debates surrounding Charlottetown; the context of the second referendum; the rise of the new right; and the challenging of the "Quebec model."

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Note(s):
Course is currently offered in "French Only"
Offered in alternate years
Semester:
Usually offered in the Fall & Winter
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE402 Military History of the British Empire and Commonwealth, 1870-1990

This seminar will be a trans-national examination of the military history of the British Empire and Commonwealth from 1870 to the end of the Cold War. It look at how the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and India, cooperated, or did not cooperate, on matters of foreign policy and defence. Topics to be explored include imperial defence, army reform, the naval arms race of the Edwardian era, imperial policing, military manpower, industrial mobilization, the two World Wars, and the Cold War.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE1012 and HIE103 two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Offered in English only
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE403 Social History of Canada (1870-1980)

This seminar will analyze selected issues in the development of Canada from 1870 until 1980. Topics will include industrialization, immigration, social movements, reform, urbanization, regionalism, cultural conflict, social effects of war and the changing cultural definitions of Canada.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Semester:
Usually offered in the Winter
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE404 Conspiracism, Disinformation, and Reason in History

In today’s information space, nations and other political actors utilize disinformation as a stratagem of power. A key element of such disinformation campaigns relies on conspiracism based on themes originally generated in the 19th Century as the world entered modernity. Historical understanding of numerous critical topics is undermined by a lack of understanding of how groups employ conspiracism to distort perceptions and thus alter political realities. This course will examine the basis of conspiracism and how it has been employed in various historical contexts from the 1800s to present.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE1001 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE405 History of the Relations Between Canada and the United States

An analysis of various themes in the Canadian-American relationship from the beginning of European colonization until the present. Based on readings and discussion in class. The course will consider the mutual influences exercised by these two countries on their respective political, economic, social, cultural and intellectual development.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Semester:
Usually offered in the Fall
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE406 Canadians and the World: Canadian Foreign Relations 1867 to the Present

This seminar course examines the development of Canada’s foreign and external affairs since 1867, with a particular emphasis on the post-1945 period. The broad purpose of the course is to discover and dissect some of the broad patterns of Canada’s growing international presence over the course of the 20th century including: Canada’s role as a “middle power”, Canada as a peacekeeping/warrior nation, and its role in multilateral organizations such as the UN, NATO, and the G8, to name just a few. Also central to the course will be Canada’s relationship with various empires including Great Britain and more recently the United States. The course analyzes those relationships and the development of Canadian foreign policy from various theoretical perspectives. By the end of the course students should be familiar with the major themes of and approaches to Canada’s foreign relations; be able to understand and utilize various theoretical, methodological and historiographical perspectives; and express their knowledge and understanding in a major research project.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE1001 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Semester:
Usually offered in the Fall
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE407 Problems in Global and Transnational History

The world is interconnected through countless transnational and global trends and processes. As historians, we analyze, problematize, and distort these phenomena by studying them through transnational and global lenses. Such ‘transnational’ and ‘global histories’, which have drastically transformed the discipline of history over the past several decades, allow us to question the ways in which these forces have shaped the world around us. This course will study major themes and trends in transnational and global history across different time periods, contexts, and spaces. Students will engage with a new module each week, ranging on topics from war and peace, conflict resolution, genocide, migration, humanitarianism, human rights, public health, and international justice. An emphasis on secondary sources will allow students to extrapolate key findings, generate informed debate, and interrogate key differences between ‘transnational’ and ‘global’ histories. By the end of the course, students will be able to answer the following questions: What are ‘transnational’ and ‘global histories’ and how do they distort traditional understandings of historical processes? How has historical understanding of such phenomena shifted over time and how can we, as historians, discern the ways in which these topical issues illuminate contemporary concerns in the world today?

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE409 The Grand Strategy of Small Powers

The study of grand strategy is often framed in terms of large powers or empires, such as the Persian Empire, Imperial Athens, the British Empire, or the Soviet Union. Some scholars doubt whether smaller states can mount a grand strategy at all. Yet many small polities and movements, such as the Melians, Early Modern England, the Viet Minh, and Communist Cuba, combined military, economic, cultural, and diplomatic approaches to achieve their strategic aims, despite the efforts of much larger powers. This course will use an interdisciplinary approach to combine theory about grand strategy with practical case studies of small powers, which successfully or unsuccessfully crafted them.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE1001 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Offered every second year
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE410 Canada and War

An examination of the impact of modern wars on Canadian society from 1860 to the present. Specific themes will include Canadian reaction to North American conflicts and to British imperial wars; the impact of World War I and II; Canada and Cold War and Canada and peacekeeping.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Note(s):
Offered in alternate years.
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
2

HIF415 Guerre d’Indochine et d’Algérie (1946-1962) : Décolonisation et contre-insurrection

This seminar explores the history of post-colonial conflict in Indochina (1946-1954) and Algeria (1954-1962) based largely upon the historiography of the last twenty years. It addresses the economic, political, and social aspects of the history of decolonization, and the revolutionary/guerilla/’terrorist” modes of warfare practiced in Indochina and Algeria. The course also examines the counter-insurgency response of the French government and military. The course will be based on primary sources. The course is designed to allow students to better understand the impact of “terrorism”, religion, and nationalism during the period of post-colonial conflict.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Note(s):
Course is currently offered in "French Only"
Offered in alternate years
Semester:
Usually offered in the Fall
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE416 The United States as an Emerging World Power: 1750-1919

This seminar course explores the transformation of the United States from a disparate group of 13 British colonies to the world's most pre-eminent nation by the end of World War I through the lens of its foreign relations. This 150-year period was perhaps the most eventful and most important in the history of the “Great Republic.” Between the American Revolution and the Treaty of Versailles, the United States fought a successful war for independence, expanded rapidly across the continent, fought a fratricidal civil war, and then emerged as the world’s most dynamic industrialized nations. The course examines how each of these developments shaped and was shaped by America's relationship with the rest of the world. By the end of the course, students should be familiar with the major themes and approaches to American foreign relations; be able to understand and utilize various theoretical, methodological, and historiographical perspectives; and express their knowledge and understanding in a major research project.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Note(s):
Students are encouraged to take one or more of the following courses: HIE312, HIE314.
Semester:
Usually offered in the Fall
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE418 The United States as a World Power: 1919 to the Present

The seminar course explores the United States’ rise to global hegemon during the 20th century through the lens of its foreign relations. The course covers the “the American Century” through three particular periods: first, the rise, fall, and resurrection of Wilsonian internationalism from 1920 through to the end of the Second World War; second, the emergence of the Cold War and the United States program of building alliances to counter the “Communist threat”; and third, how the decline and ultimate end of the Cold War both closed and opened areas of conflict and cooperation with the rest of the world. Though the course focuses mainly on America’s relationship with the rest of the world, a significant time is spent analyzing the domestic origins and impacts of those relations. By the end of the course, students should be familiar with the major themes and approaches to American foreign relations; be able to understand and utilize various theoretical, methodological, and historiographical perspectives; and express their knowledge and understanding in a major research project.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Note(s):
Offered in alternate years. Students are encouraged to take one or more of the following courses: HIE312, HIE314, or HIE416.
Semester:
Usually offered in the Winter
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE419 The United States and the Second World War

This seminar course focuses on the American nation during the Second World War. It examines the neutrality phase of 1937-1941 as well as aspects of the American war effort from 1941 to 1945, including economic, political, and military mobilization and its impact on the home front as well as military operations in the Mediterranean, Northwest European, and Pacific theatres. At the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of the American war effort, become familiar with its historiography, and be able to present their knowledge analytically in a longer research project.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Note(s):
Offered in alternate years
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE422 Naval History. The Age of Sail

A survey of naval and maritime history from the 16th to the early 19th century. The broad themes addressed include organizational, technological and social developments impinging upon the conduct of naval operations, and the course of maritime commerce. In addition, selected aspects of the "world wars" of the 17th and 18th centuries will be examined to illustrate transitions in technology, tactical doctrine, and major strategic debates.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Note(s):
Course is currently offered in "English Only."
Semester:
Usually offered in the Fall
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE423 Naval History: The Age of Steam

A survey of naval and maritime history from the mid 19th through the 20th centuries. The broad themes addressed include organizational, technological and social developments impinging upon the conduct of naval operations, and the evolution of modern navies to the nuclear age. In addition, selected aspects of the "world wars" of the 20th century will be examined to illustrate transitions in technology, tactical doctrine, and major strategic writers and debates.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Semester:
Usually offered in the Winter
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE424 Thesis

Special research on an approved subject to be prepared as a thesis, which will be examined by a committee constituted for the purpose. The thesis must be submitted for examination no later than 31 March. (Taken only with permission of the Department.)

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Note(s):
Only taken with permission of the department.
Credit(s):
2

HIF425 Histoire de la Nouvelle-France : le rêve français en Amérique

This course studies the development of French colonial societies in North America from their beginnings in the 17th century to 1763. Classroom discussions will deal with a full-fledged empire: Canada, Acadia, Louisiana and the Antilles. We will uncover the ambitions and plans of the French in America, but also look at the actual events experienced by the people in the New World.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Note(s):
Course is currently offered in "French Only"
Offered in alternate years
Semester:
Usually offered in the Fall
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE426 Advanced Directed Studies

Special research on an approved subject, under the direction of an instructor, resulting in the submission of at least 2 major research papers. (Taken only with permission of the Department.)

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Note(s):
Only taken with permission of the department.
Credit(s):
2

HIF427 Histoire du régime britannique au Canada

This course examines the development of Canadian colonial societies in North America after the Treaty of Paris (1763). It explains the world of Les Anciens Canadiens and sets it in its economic, environmental, social and political context alongside the other British colonies in North America. Themes will be addressed according to the historical sequence of milestone events: the conquest, the American Revolution and the Rebellions.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Note(s):
Course is currently offered in "French Only."
Offered in alternate years
Semester:
Usually offered in the Winter
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIF435 Façonner un continent : les guerres en Amérique du Nord (1754-1815)

Using all historiographical approaches, this course looks at the main armed conflicts involving the French and British powers in America during the colonial era. The Seven Years’ War, the Battle of the Plains of Abraham and the War of 1812 will be analyzed in terms of what was at stake demographically, economically, socially and politically as well as from a strategic and military perspective.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Note(s):
Course is currently offered in "French Only"
Offered in alternate years
Semester:
Usually offered in the Fall
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIF437 Le Québec et la guerre depuis 1867

This course aims to familiarize students with the milestones, the concepts, the politico-military debates and the leaders in the military history of Quebec and French Canada. It includes discussions of the two world wars, bilingualism in the Canadian Forces, the Royal 22e Régiment, and 425 Squadron. It examines French Canadians’ relationship with warfare and with the Canadian Forces throughout history. This social, political and institutional study of history takes stock of more than a century of the profession of arms as practised by Quebecers and French Canadians.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Note(s):
Course is currently offered in "French Only"
Offered in alternate years
Semester:
Usually offered in the Winter
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE440 Public History

In this course students have the opportunity to do unpaid work in one of three historical domains: teaching, research, or museums. In the former case students work at RMC; in the latter cases students are placed in institutions in Kingston, Ottawa or other locations where they complete a project or task of approximately 100 hours under the co-supervision of a member of the professional staff of that institution and member of the RMC history department. (In general, students should be prepared to work at the placement organization for approximately 8 hours per week: either one full day or two half days.) In addition to the practicum work, the student will complete a 4000 word reflection, which describes the literature and practice of the domain as well as the learning that they have achieved with regard to the practice of history.

Additional Information:

  1. Only taken with permission of the department.
  2. Normally taken in the Winter term of Year 3 or the Fall term of Year 4.
  3. Limited to students majoring in History who have a minimum B- average prior to taking the course.
  4. Students working in Ottawa must make arrangements to complete sufficient other credits to remain on full-time status during the term.
  5. Students wishing to work in Ottawa must provide their own accommodation and rations. Some financial support may be available from time to time and rations and quarters at RMC are normally credited to help defray expenses.
Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Contact Hours:
3- 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE444 War and Memory in the Twentieth Century

This course explores the different ways in which the relationships of nations to their past have been socially constructed, articulated and contested throughout the twentieth century. Using different countries as case studies, the course examines the ways in which narratives of war have been utilized by different social and political groups to inform present-day identity politics. The course critically examines the developing relationship between history, memory and identity formation across the twentieth century, adopting an historical approach to investigate the evolution of the political use of memory. As such, it links well with the Battlefield Tour organized by the History department.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Note(s):
Offered in alternate years
Contact Hours:
3- 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE446 The Third Reich at War, 1939-1945

This seminar course explores the German nation at war during the period 1939-45. It examines all aspects of the German war effort, including domestic mobilization, military operations, German invasions of other countries, and the rise and fall of German fortunes. At the end of the course, students will be able to describe, explain, and assess: German war aims, German strategy and tactics, the German war economy, and the Wehrmacht’s role in the Holocaust.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207, HIE271
Note(s):
Offered in alternate years
Semester:
Could be offered in Fall or Winter
Contact Hours:
3- 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE449 History of intelligence since 1870

Using historical case studies from the Franco-Prussian War onwards, this course examines the methodologies of intelligence operations, including issues of deception, human and technical intelligence gathering, counterintelligence, and more. These case studies will include the operations of a number of states including the United States, Great Britain, France, Prussia/Germany, Tsarist/Soviet Russia, and Israel.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Note(s):
Course is currently offered in "English Only"
Offered in alternate years
Semester:
Usually offered in the Fall or Winter
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE451 War and the Environment

This seminar course explores the complex inter-relationship between warfare and the natural environment from the 17th century to the present.  The course will use case studies from a number of world regions to analyze the environmental and ecological impact of military mobilization over time.  In addition, students will assess the influence of environmental factors on the conduct of war.  Particular attention will be devoted to the impact of technological change/ industrialization and to changing understandings of the environment.  Case studies will include the American Civil War, the World Wars, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War era.  

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Note(s):
Course is currently offered in "English Only"
Offered in alternate years
Semester:
Usually offered in the Fall
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE452 War, Peace, and Civil Society in Modern History

Historians have long contended that the long twentieth century was among the most violent in human civilization. At least 75 million people were killed in two world wars. Even the “long peace” that followed was characterized by numerous regional and intrastate conflicts that were often just as destructive as those two decades of total war. However, the twentieth century was also an age of the great flowering of democracy, human rights, diplomacy, and the rule of law. Across the globe, transnational movements formed non-governmental organizations (NGOs), whose members waged their own battles against militarism, human rights abuses, and environmental degradation. This course examines this interplay between war and peace, the state and civil society across the globe over the last two centuries. In the process, it examines how military conflict affected the social, political and economic developments of states, and how in turn those developments sparked the rise of transnational movements whose actions had influenced both the waging of war and the establishment peace.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Note(s):
Offered in alternate years
Semester:
Usually offered in the Fall
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE456 Issues in Women, War and Society

An exploration, through seminars of selected themes and issues in the history of women, war and society from the 17th century to the present. Particular attention will be paid to women's changing involvement in war and revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries; the rise of modern military institutions; women's involvement in World War I and II; debates about gender integration in the late 20th century.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Note(s):
Course is currently offered in "English Only."
Offered in alternate years
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE461 Air Warfare in World Conflict, 1903-1945

This course examines air warfare from the earliest days of powered flight to the end of the Second World War. It focuses primarily on the development of the idea of air power and on the organization and employment of air power in war. Major themes include: the emergence of air forces; key concepts of air power and the ways in which they were developed and tested in war; the use of air power in general and limited wars; the conduct of joint operations involving air and surface forces; the morality and legality of air warfare; the culture of the aviator; the impact of technology and, issues of command and leadership in air forces.  A limited amount of air campaigns will be examined as a means of integrating these themes.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Note(s):
Offered in alternate years.
Semester:
Usually offered in the Fall
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE463 Air Warfare in Cold War and Small Wars, 1945-2010

This course examines air warfare from the advent of the atomic weapon until the ‘peace operations’ of the early 21st century. It focuses primarily on the ongoing metamorphosis of the concepts and doctrines of air power, and on the organization and employment of air power and aerospace power in war and peace. As in HIE471 major themes include:  the emergence of air forces; key concepts of air power and the ways in which they were developed and tested in war; the use of air power in general and limited wars; the conduct of joint operations involving air and surface forces; the morality and legality of air warfare; the culture of the aviator; the impact of technology and, issues of command and leadership in air forces.  A limited amount of air campaigns will be examined as a means of integrating these themes.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Note(s):
Offered in alternate years.
Semester:
Usually offered in the Winter
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE466 War, Peace and Diplomacy: Issues in the Foreign Policies of the Great Powers between 1815 and 1914

This seminar course examines the conduct of Great Power relations from the Congress of Vienna to the July Crisis of 1914. Students will analyze various themes and topics in international history, including personality and policy-making; conference diplomacy and peacemaking; civil-military relations and the development of national strategy; imperial rivalries and defence of empire; foreign policies in revolution; and alliance diplomacy in peace and war. By the end of the course, students will have a detailed understanding of the major themes and historiographical interpretations of international relations in the nineteenth century, and be able to express their knowledge in a major research project.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Note(s):
Offered in alternate years.
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE468 War, Peace and Diplomacy: Issues in the Foreign Policies of the Great Powers since 1914

This seminar course examines the conduct of Great Power relations from the outbreak of war in 1914 to the end of the Cold War. Students will analyze various themes and topics in international history, including personality and policy-making; conference diplomacy and peacemaking; civil-military relations and the development of national strategy; disarmament and arms limitation; the diplomacy of decolonisation, revolution and neutrality; and alliance diplomacy in peace and war. By the end of the course, students will have a detailed understanding of the major themes and historiographical interpretations of international relations in the twentieth century, and be able to express their knowledge in a major research project.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Note(s):
Offered in alternate years.
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE470 Strategy and Strategists

A study of the most important interpreters of warfare from classical thinkers (Thucydides and Sun-Tzu) to the present. Also considered will be airpower and its proponents; geopolitical and maritime doctrines of war; the developments of military technology since 1945 and their impact on strategic thinking; the theories of deterrence, revolutionary and guerrilla war; disarmament and arms control and the international law of war.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Note(s):
HIE470 is offered only to 3rd and 4th year History and MSS degree students. Others wishing to complete the course must have the approval of the History Department Head
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
2

HIE474 Military Technology: Men, Machines and War

An examination of the impact of technology on war, and the relation of these to society as a whole. In addition to identifying the key technological advances in weapon development and defence-related fields, this course will look at the effect of technology on tactics, strategy, and society itself, from the pre-gunpowder period to the nuclear age.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Exclusion(s):
HIE275, HIE475
Semester:
Usually offered in the Fall
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE475 Technology, Society and Warfare

The relationship between technology and warfare is undeniable: from the Great War (1914-18) to the War on Terrorism today, technology has played a central role in military operations. In this course, students will define and analyze technology as a general concept and its relationship to warfare in particular. Students will also reflect on the factors -political, economic, cultural, etc.- that contribute to the creation of technology and that determines its use in warfare. The course will examine the principal developments in military technology from a historical perspective, beginning with the development of artillery in the fifteenth century and ending with an analysis of the contemporary and future battle space.

Prerequisite(s):
A junior-level history course.
Exclusion(s):
HIE275, HIE474
Note(s):
Only offered through Distance Education.
Contact Hours:
0 - 0 - 9
Credit(s):
1

HIE476 Guerrilla and Revolutionary War

A study of the role and conduct of guerrilla warfare and its connection with other types of conflicts. This course will trace the development of thinking about guerrilla warfare as well as the evolution of its practice.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Semester:
Usually offered in the Winter
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE477 An Introduction to the History of Terrorism

This is an introduction to terrorism and counterterrorism in a variety of historical contexts. Among other things, it will consider the origins, complexities and basic elements of terrorism, as well as the various approaches taken to control this "poor man's weapon".

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Semester:
Usually offered in the Winter
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE478 Small Wars

The course is a study of the role and conduct of small wars and their connection with other types of conflict. This course will trace the development of thinking about conflicts other than major wars, as well as the evolution of their practice. Students will become acquainted with the nature, dimensions, and history of past and recent small wars and be able to critically evaluate these types of conflicts.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Note(s):
Usually offered in the Winter
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE483 Continuity and Change in the Military History of Modern China

This course is a 4th year seminar course aimed at exploring the rich military history of modern China. The course is organized thematically to explore, through student led seminars, the many ages of China’s military heritage. Eras addressed include the Warring States Period; Mongol Invasions and Influence; The Century of Humiliation and the end of the Imperial Era; the Anti-Japanese War; the Civil War; the Cold War; Red Army and Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution; The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) from the People’s War to Modernization. This course will provide a solid grounding in the enduring military philosophy and political-military interactions that inform the behaviour of modern China.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207, HIE271
HIE394
Note(s):
Offered in alternate years.
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE484 Themes in Modern History

This course is designed to facilitate the special expertise of visiting professors to teach in their area of expertise. Each course will have a distinct theme reflecting that expertise and the subject of the course, if offered, will be published at the time of student registration. The course will be an advanced seminar and open only to history and MSS majors and honours students. Students may only take this course once.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE485 Conflict in Modern Africa

Why does violent conflict persist in contemporary Africa? Why do most international interventions fail to bring peace to African populations in vulnerable areas? This course aims to develop an understanding of social and political conflicts in sub-Saharan Africa from the late pre-colonial period to the present. The bulk of the course is concerned with an exploration of theories regarding the causes of conflict in Africa, including the economic and social impact of colonialism, state weakness, political culture, ethnic divisions, religious identity, and underdevelopment. The course will also examine mechanisms for resolving conflicts and issues related to outside intervention. Topics include the national and regional variations in the African experience of conflict; the social and political nature of war; the impact of inequality and poverty; the role of the colonial and postcolonial state; the impact of violent conflict on civilians; and the characteristics of African guerrilla movements. By the end of the course, students should be able to think critically about the different actors and dimensions of conflict in Africa, and express arguments based on evidence in written and oral forms.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Note(s):
Offered in alternate years
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE486 Conflict and the Law in Historical Context

This fourth-year seminar studies the major developments and impact of the rules of armed conflict or international humanitarian law (IHL) throughout history. Through a series of case studies from Antiquity to the present, students will analyze the means and modes of warfare, the differences between combatants and non-combatants, the role of state and non-state actors, the evolution of international conventions, and the way in which IHL has interacted with human rights, multilateral organizations and humanitarian interventions. By the end of this course, students will be able to interrogate historiographical contributions to the field, debate key issues in an informed and inquisitive manner, and articulate findings and ideas through a research project.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Contact Hours:
3 - 0 - 6
Credit(s):
1

HIE490 Directed Studies in History

This course is available for non-Honours students who wish to pursue in-depth research and study under one-on-one supervision with a faculty member on a topic within the range of expertise of the supervisor, mutually agreed between the supervisor and the student. Both the topic and the evaluation scheme must be approved by the Department Head.

Prerequisite(s):
For Arts students: HIE101 and HIE103 and two of the following: HIE203, (HIE270 or HIE271), HIE284
For Science and Engineering students: HIE203, HIE207 and HIE271
Note(s):
Permission of the Department Head
Contact Hours:
1 - 0 - 8
Credit(s):
1
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